A Romance in Silver and Gold: The David Rapley Collection

LDFSworders are delighted to present the David Rapley Collection – a lifelong assemblage of fine silver, gold, and decorative arts. To be offered across a series of forthcoming auctions, the collection reflects decades of passion, expertise, and connoisseurship. The first instalment, which features in the October Design auction, was marked with a special exhibition held in partnership with the London Design Festival.

David Rapley’s discerning eye for quality and originality has shaped an exceptional collection featuring works by leading 20th-century silversmiths and designers, alongside significant pieces by Scandinavian and other European makers. Among its many highlights are creations by master craftsman Stuart Devlin, whose innovative designs have long been central to David’s collecting journey.

“My focus on modern silver began after I discovered a Stuart Devlin piece online – a silver-gilt egg, believed to be a prototype for his iconic series of surprise eggs,” explains Rapley. “Recognising Devlin’s originality and imagination, I began collecting his work extensively, eventually amassing over 100 pieces, many unique or specially commissioned.”

Stuart Devlin (Australian, 1931-2018), a silver and silver-gilt four branch candelabra (£4,000-6,000)

When Rapley met noted collector John Andrew at Sworders’ 2021 exhibition of Andrew’s own collection, Andrew remarked that Rapley’s holdings “may be one of the largest private Devlin collections in the UK.”

Alongside Devlin, David's collection expands to works by Christopher Nigel Lawrence, and Scandinavian makers such as David Andersen and Marius Hammer, which demonstrate the breadth and sophistication of the collection.

Born in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, in 1931, Stuart Devlin showed a passion for design from an early age, winning his first scholarship at 13 and achieving an Art Diploma with the highest marks ever awarded at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. By 1958, he had earned multiple scholarships, eventually studying at the Royal College of Art in London, where he became the only student to receive diplomas in Light Engineering Design and gold and silversmithing. Devlin gained fame in 1964 by designing Australia's first decimal coinage, and by 1972, he had earned numerous accolades, including a Royal Warrant of Appointment as Goldsmith and Jeweller to Queen Elizabeth II in 1982.

Known for his unique, biomorphic designs blending silver, filigree, and silver-gilt, Devlin's work defied clear stylistic categorisation, often evoking ancient or otherworldly aesthetics. His pieces, ranging from candelabras to furniture, combined artistry and function, and his signature use of rosewood added depth to his creations. After retiring to Littlehampton in 1992, Devlin embraced computer-aided design, continuing to push creative boundaries until his death in 2018. His groundbreaking contributions to the world of silversmithing and design cemented his legacy among the greats like Benvenuto Cellini and Paul Storr.


Collection Highlights


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Stuart Devlin | A Romance in Silver and Gold

We are delighted to announce a substantial collection of hand-crafted items by the esteemed silver and goldsmith Stuart Devlin, debuting at our October Design auction. Characterised by Devlin's use of filigree work, unusual textures and the mixing of silver and silver-gilt to create two tone items, each piece displays minimalistic elegance.

 

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Meet Our Team

Matthew Yeats

Matthew Yeats
Design | Head of Department

T: 01279 817778
E: matthewyeats@sworder.co.uk

Alex Froggatt

Alex Froggatt
Glass & Decorative Arts | Senior Valuer

T: 01279 817778
E: alexfroggatt@sworder.co.uk

 

 

For more information, please contact:

 

design@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778